Stars align for Kendrick Lamar's NFL halftime show: Everything you need to know

After enjoying a dominant run in 2024, capped off by a resounding haul at this year’s Grammys, the anticipation was at an all time high for Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Half Time performance. Social media users spearheaded a collective deep dive on the would be performance, and were eagerly anticipating any leaks or previews. The questions ranged from his potential setlist and possible special guests, to any new mention of his feud with Drake. Would K Dot stoke the fires? Well, now that his legendary performance is officially in the books here’s a recap of some of its most standout moments.

Kendrick Starts Off with a Bang

The show began with a totally unexpected appearance by special guest Samuel L. Jackson as the leader of the processions. He appeared dressed as Uncle Sam, donning the traditional red, white, and blue customary to the character’s iconic depiction. Jackson made his iconic presence felt in his brief appearance as he bellowed “This is the great American Game."

After hitting his GNX intro, Kendrick moved to ’Squabble Up’, one of the many diss tracks levied at Drake during their feud. He appeared on stage with this signature car and a group of background dancers wearing a disjointed combination of the red white and blue from the American flag.

Kendrick then followed with ‘Be Humble’. Fans were ecstatic for its inclusion as it was unclear whether Kendrick would be including tracks from his older catalog in his Super Bowl Half Time set.

Kendrick continued his set with unmistakable energy and swag before then inviting longtime collaborator and R&B powerhouse SZA to the stage. This was initially announced earlier in the year, and the pair performed two tracks. First was ‘luther’, followed by their hit single from the Black Panther soundtrack, ‘All the Stars’.

Not Like Us, TV Off

The ultimate show stopper and most anticipated part of the entire performance was always going to be ‘Not Like Us’. The beef-ending, chart-topping, award-winning super hit tune was the focus of all in attendance and watching world wide and Kendrick’s attention to detail and execution of his performance did not disappoint. Right down to his a minor chain.

First, he trolled the audience. Earlier in his set, the beat kicked in, but Kendrick quickly quipped, “I wanna play their favourite song, but you know they love to sue.”

When he finally performed the record, the energy in the stadium was palpable. The audience turned all the way up for this one as it was clearly the moment everyone was waiting for with baited breath.

The performance was punctuated by a special guest appearance from Serena Williams. The tennis icon appeared and absolutely devoured a clip walk routine as Kendrick performed. Not only was this significant because of her star power and universal appeal, but Serena And Drake were previously romantically linked, giving Serena’s presence an even deeper meaning.

DJ Mustard then joined Dot on stage for his finale, ’TV Off’.